Buying a pre-owned motorhome is a great option compared to buying new. However, careful inspection is required to avoid costly mistakes. With motorhomes combining vehicle mechanics, living accommodations, and other integrated systems, the potential for hidden problems exists.
Keep reading to learn what to check for when buying a used motorhome, important inspection areas, and the documentation needed for verification.
What Research Should You Do Before Viewing Motorhomes?
Shopping for a used motorhome starts with thorough research:
- Establish layout requirements – Determine essential features based on your usage plans, including berth configuration, bed preferences, washroom requirements, and kitchen facilities
- Research typical problems – Investigate common issues with specific models through owners’ forums and motorhome publications
- Set a realistic budget – Calculate not just purchase price but also insurance, servicing, road tax, and potential immediate repairs
Taking time for this preparatory work helps narrow your search to suitable second-hand models and alerts you to specific areas requiring careful inspection based on known model weaknesses.
What Should Your Used Motorhome Inspection Cover?
Follow this checklist during your viewing:
- Exterior assessment – Check panel alignment, paint condition, and signs of repairs.
- Damp testing – Use a damp meter if possible, particularly around windows, doors, skylights, and roof seams.
- Chassis inspection – Look underneath for corrosion, damaged components, or leaking fluids.
- Engine check – Examine for oil leaks, coolant condition, and unusual noises.
- Habitation functionality – Test all living area systems, including water, heating, refrigeration, and toilet facilities.
- Electrical systems – Check 12v and 240v systems, testing lights, sockets, and appliances.
- Gas system – Verify current safety certification and test all gas appliances.
- Tyre condition – Check tread depth and manufacturing date, as motorhome tyres often age out before wearing out.
- Road test – Drive the motorhome to assess and inspect the engine, gearbox, steering, and brakes.
- Documentation – Review service history, MOTs, ownership papers, and habitation service records.
This methodical approach helps ensure you don’t miss critical issues that could prove costly after purchase.
Common Problem Areas in Used Motorhomes
Certain issues occur more in pre-owned motorhomes and warrant attention for peace of mind:
- Roof seals and seams – Water ingress around roof joints represents one of the most common and expensive problems
- Leisure battery condition – Test the auxiliary battery as replacements can be costly and poor performance limits off-grid capabilities
- Control panel functionality – Verify all monitoring systems work correctly as replacements can be expensive
- Floor soundness – Check for soft spots, which could indicate water damage or structural weakness
- Window seals – Test all windows for proper operation and intact seals to prevent water ingress
Important Documentation for Buying a Used Motorhome
Ensure the seller provides complete documentation, including:
- V5C registration document – Verify the seller is the registered keeper
- Service history – Look for regular maintenance records for both the base vehicle and habitation area
- MOT history – Check previous certificates and online testing history to identify recurring issues
- Habitation service records – Annual damp and safety checks are essential
- Original manuals – Operating instructions for the vehicle and fitted appliances
- Warranty documentation – Check for any remaining transferable warranties
These documents verify the vehicle’s history and also affect its insurability and future resale value.
Understanding Insurance Implications When Buying a Used Motorhome
Different motorhome makes, models and ages can have varying insurance costs. Before committing to purchase, obtain insurance quotes to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Additionally, consider including breakdown cover for older motorhomes, as mechanical issues become more likely with age. Verify that any modifications have been professionally installed and will be accepted by insurers.
The motorhome’s documented service history also directly impacts insurability, with records that may qualify for preferential rates. Insurance valuation can be complex, with market value policies possibly not reflecting the true replacement cost of well-maintained older vehicles.
How Advance Insurance Helps Used Motorhome Buyers
As specialists in the motorhome insurance market, we understand the unique needs of used motorhome owners. We work with leading UK insurers who provide tailored motorhome insurance for vehicles of all ages, including older models that mainstream providers might decline.
We can provide pre-purchase guidance on insurance implications for different makes and models, helping you understand potential premium variations between your shortlisted choices. We can arrange agreed value cover for older motorhomes that recognises your vehicle’s true worth rather than relying solely on market value assessments.
We understand that used motorhomes have modifications or non-standard features. Our specialist approach ensures these are well documented and covered to avoid potential issues when claiming.
Contact us before finalising your used motorhome purchase. We can provide insurance guidance specific to your intended purchase, helping you make an informed decision.
